The 10 best things to do in Wales with kids

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If you’re heading to Wales for a family getaway then you’ve come to the right place – there are loads of fabulous things to do with the kids. Wales is a fantastic place for a family holiday – the country is bursting with seaside fun, beautiful countryside, wildlife encounters and amazing attractions that the kids will love. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens, there are countless places to explore and brilliant ways to keep the whole family entertained. There are some fabulous holiday parks in Wales too so make sure you check out my article on the best places to stay as well. And, to help you to plan a fun family getaway, here are my top 10 picks for the best things to do in Wales with the kids.

1. Explore Wales’ stunning beaches

One of the best things to do with the kids in Wales is a beach day – the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and they all offer the perfect free day out! In North Wales, Llandudno’s wide promenade and sandy stretch are ideal for little ones who want to paddle or hunt for shells, while Black Rock Sands is brilliant for long beach days thanks to its huge open space. Further along the coast, the sandy dunes at Talacre are great for exploring and make a lovely backdrop for family photos. Down in South Wales, Barry Island is always a hit with children, thanks to its colourful beach huts, shallow waters and classic seaside charm. Rest Bay in Porthcawl is popular for its gentle waves and long walks, and Saundersfoot offers a peaceful, sheltered beach perfect for younger families. With Wales’ mix of lively resorts and quiet coves, it’s easy to find the right spot for sun, sand and simple family fun.

2. Try an underground or treetop adventure

For families who enjoy a bit of adventure, Wales has some unique Zip World experiences that are perfect for entertaining older kids – though there are also activities that you can do with the younger ones too. There are three Zip World spots in North Wales – Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is known for its thrill-seeker ziplines, Zip World Llechwedd offers underground zip lines and the Bounce Below experience, and Zip World Betws-y-Coed (Fforest) features the Fforest Coaster, treetop nets, zip courses and family-friendly aerial activities. In South Wales, the Brecon Beacons provide natural adventures with easy forest trails, climbing spots and plenty of opportunities to splash through streams or explore peaceful woodland.

3. Discover magical Welsh castles

Wales is famously home to more than 600 castles, so it’s no surprise that exploring them is one of the best things to do with the kids. North Wales has some of the most impressive, including Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. These huge medieval fortresses are full of winding staircases, tall towers and atmospheric rooms that the children will love exploring. In South Wales, Caerphilly Castle’s giant moat and leaning tower are always hits with younger visitors, while Cardiff Castle mixes Roman history, Norman walls and quirky Victorian interiors. So if you’re looking for a family adventure with a historical and educational twist then a trip to a Welsh castle offers an interesting day out.

4. Enjoy wildlife encounters

Animal-loving families are spoilt for choice in Wales. The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay offers everything from snow leopards and sea lions to red pandas and meerkats, all set against a hillside backdrop with beautiful coastal views. In the south, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales is home to the Shire Horse Centre and a dinosaur park, which younger children might find especially magical. Or, you could spend the day at Manor Wildlife Park. Many coastal areas also offer wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly around Cardigan Bay, which has one of the UK’s largest resident dolphin populations. Families can often see dolphins from viewpoints along the coast or hop a dolphin spotting boat trip during the warmer months. Perfect!

5. Ride one of Wales’ heritage railways

Trains are a real crowd-pleaser for families, and Wales has some beautiful heritage railways that make sightseeing easy and exciting. In North Wales, the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways travel through the heart of Snowdonia, passing lakes, forests and towering peaks, making the journey just as memorable as the destination. For something different, head to Llandudno and take a trip up the Great Orme on the vintage tramway or glide to the summit by cable car. Both offer incredible views and are a gentle way for kids to enjoy the landscape without lots of walking. In the south, the Brecon Mountain Railway takes families on a steady ride through dramatic scenery with plenty of photo opportunities. So if you’d like something peaceful to do with the kids in Wales (and a rest for little legs) hopping on a train is a great way to explore.

6. Take a scenic walk to a waterfall

Wales is packed with beautiful waterfalls that make for brilliant family outings. In North Wales, Aber Falls is a popular, manageable walk with a rewarding view at the end, and Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed offers dramatic cascades that look spectacular year-round. Down south, the Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons is great for adventurous families with older children, while easier routes around Sgwd yr Eira let kids walk behind the waterfall itself. If you’re looking for something to do with the kids that won’t break the bank, then getting lost in nature offers the perfect activity because Wales is absolutely beautiful!

7. Spend the day at a family adventure park

Wales has several brilliant family attractions that are ideal for full, activity-packed days out. If you’re heading to North Wales with the kids, you have to visit Greenwood Family Park – there’s so much to do and my two didn’t want to leave! They can zoom down slides, explore treetop walkways, try the famous people-powered rollercoaster and enjoy the indoor soft play areas. (Check out my Greenwood review for all the details – we loved our day there!) Down south, Folly Farm is one of Wales’ best-loved attractions, with a zoo full of giraffes, penguins and lions, as well as vintage fairground rides and enormous indoor and outdoor play zones. While LC Indoor Waterpark offers the perfect rainy day entertainment.

8. Explore Wales’ vibrant towns and picturesque villages

Wales is full of colourful, welcoming towns that are lovely to wander with children. In North Wales, Portmeirion is a must-see. Its bright Italian-style buildings, quirky statues and beautiful gardens make it feel like stepping into a storybook. Nearby, Betws-y-Coed offers riverside walks, shops and cosy cafés, perfect for relaxed days out. Down south, Cardiff is full of family-friendly attractions, including the castle, Techniquest and the lively waterfront at Cardiff Bay. Swansea has a fun mix of beaches, museums and market stalls, while Tenby remains one of the most charming seaside towns in Wales with its pastel houses and pretty harbour.

9. Explore Wales’ national parks

Wales has three national parks offering endless opportunities for free things to do with the kids, fresh air and family adventures. Snowdonia in the north is perfect for scenic lakes, waterfalls and gentle trails. Older children will love the challenge of climbing Snowdon using routes like the Snowdon Ranger Path, and families with younger children can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for incredible summit views without the long hike. (Check out my guide for climbing Snowdon with kids for more info.) In the south, the Brecon Beacons offer cave systems, rolling hills and wonderful waterfall walks. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is ideal for beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with its turquoise waters, cliff-top trails and boat trips to see puffins on Skomer Island. These parks are fantastic for creating low-cost, memorable days out surrounded by nature.

10. Enjoy simple outdoor adventures

Lots of the best days out in Wales are the simplest ones – there are plenty of things to see and do with the kids that won’t cost a penny. The kids will love skimming stones in Beddgelert, building dens in woodland trails, or spending a quiet afternoon crabbing at a coastal harbour. Picnics in national parks, paddling in shallow rivers and watching the sunset from a sandy beach create lovely family moments – there are so many amazing places to explore for free. Wales is full of open space and natural beauty, so it’s incredibly easy to find your own little corner for adventure and play.

Money-saving tips for visiting Wales with kids

Travelling as a family can get expensive, but there are lots of easy ways to keep costs down in Wales without missing out on the best experiences. Here are a few money-saving tips to keep your trip budget-friendly:

Look for family and off-peak tickets: Most attractions, including castles, railways and adventure parks, offer discounted family bundles or cheaper entry during quieter times. If you have flexibility, visiting midweek or outside school holidays can make a noticeable difference to the price. You can also hunt out discounted tickets on the ‘Love to visit’ website.
Pack picnics and snacks: Wales has endless beauty spots, from beaches to lakeside picnic areas, and bringing your own food saves a small fortune across a week. Kids love eating outdoors and it removes the pressure of buying lunch at every attraction.
Enjoy free attractions to balance the budget: For every paid activity, mix in a free one. Beaches, waterfalls, mountain walks and National Trust-style outdoor spaces offer whole days of fun without a ticket price. Some of the best memories come from simple outdoor exploring.
Book popular attractions early: Places like the Snowdon Mountain Railway and Zip World often become more expensive or sell out at short notice. Booking early locks in a cheaper rate and gives you the best choice of times.
Stay slightly outside the tourist hotspots: Accommodation in places like Llandudno, Conwy and Betws-y-Coed can be pricey in peak season. Instead, pick a holiday park in a less touristy spot for your holiday base – I’ve popped in some great options (and where we stayed) below.
Choose multi-day or combined tickets where possible: Some railways, heritage sites and adventure attractions offer multi-day or combination passes. These are great value if you plan to visit more than one location from the same operator.
Bring waterproofs and layers: It sounds simple, but being prepared for the Welsh weather saves you buying emergency jackets or overpriced souvenir hoodies. A spare set of clothes for little ones also avoids having to buy replacements.

Where are the best places to stay in Wales with kids?

You’re spoilt for choice on where to stay as Wales is definitely home to some of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids! I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, beautiful locations and swimming pools. Head to my article: The 12 best holiday parks in Wales for families for more information on what’s on offer at these sites, and for more great holiday park options, but here’s a quick glimpse at my 6 top picks:

Haven: Hafan y Môr Holiday Park: We had such a good time when we visited – check out my Hafan y Môr Review. It has a fantastic indoor pool complex (with waterslides and a wave pool – my kids loved it!), a high ropes course, segways, bungee trampolines, a NERF training camp, inflatables, a boating lake with pedalos, soft play and more!

Parkdean Resorts: Ty Mawr Holiday Park: Located near the stunning beaches of Rhyl and Prestatyn, this lively park offers a mix of exciting activities. The site boasts an indoor swimming pool (complete with a waterslide), adventure playgrounds, VR, archery, soft play, arts & crafts, laser quest, a sports dome and high ropes.

Haven: Greenacres Holiday Park: This one has a beautiful blue flag beach alongside it and the indoor swimming pool offers fun whatever the weather. The park also boasts an outdoor splash zone for the warmer months and there are lots of activities available including: pedal-karts, sports, a climbing wall, archery, NERF camp, crafts, soft play and bike hire.

Parkdean Resorts: Trecco Bay Holiday Park: Boasting direct access to Trecco Bay Beach, a stunning Blue Flag-awarded sandy shore, this park is perfect for beach lovers. It features a big indoor swimming pool with slides, as well as activities including: an adventure playground, an outdoor splash zone, clip & climb, high ropes, bowling, arcades, soft play, archery, VR, bouncy castles, hoverboards, pedal karts and more!

Haven: Quay West Holiday Park: One of the best parks in Wales for a summer holiday – it offers both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as direct access to a beautiful sandy beach. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained on-site too including: an aerial adventure, craft sessions, ranger activities, sports, bungee trampolines, archery and NERF training camp.

Away Resorts: Barmouth Bay Holiday Park: A great option if you’d prefer somewhere quieter to stay, the site offers direct beach access and a variety of family-friendly accommodations, some with private hot tubs. You can enjoy on-site facilities like an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor sports courts and adventure playgrounds.

Which is best for a family holiday – North or South Wales?

Both North and South Wales are fantastic for family holidays, but the best choice depends on the type of trip you want. North Wales is perfect for adventure-loving families with scenic walking trails, the climb or train ride up Snowdon and big attractions like Zip World, Greenwood Family Park and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. The coastline is beautiful with spots like Llandudno and Anglesey offering sandy beaches. South Wales, on the other hand, has stunning beaches in the Gower and Pembrokeshire, brilliant family favourites like Folly Farm, plus the cultural highlights of Cardiff with its castle, museums and easy city days out. There are several spots along the coastline which are great for dolphin-spotting boat trips too.

If your family loves outdoor thrills and dramatic landscapes, North Wales might edge it, while South Wales is ideal for beach lovers and those wanting a mix of seaside and city attractions. In reality, both regions are incredibly family-friendly, and you can’t really go wrong. I hope that this article helps with your family holiday planning – there are plenty of fabulous things to do with the kids in Wales and some great holiday parks too. Make sure you check out my article: The 12 best holiday parks in Wales for families – and have a great trip! 😊